How to play video poker is a common question among Aussie casino players, as the game blends the strategy of poker with the fast-paced thrill of slots. Show more
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Play Video Poker in 5 Easy Steps
While variants exist, the core gameplay loop remains the same. Here’s how a single hand unfolds:
- Select Your Bet Size – First, choose the value of your credits (denomination) and select how many credits you wish to bet. Crucially, you should always hit the “Bet Max” button to wager 5 credits (coins). This is the only way to unlock the exponential payout for a Royal Flush (see the Winning Hands section).
- First Cards Drawn – Once your bet is placed, hit the Deal You will receive your initial five cards, dealt face-up on the screen.
- Hold Your Cards – Based on the Paytable (displayed above the cards) and optimal strategy, you must decide which cards to Hold and which to discard. Tap the cards you want to keep or use the Hold buttons underneath. You can hold zero cards, one, or all five.
- Second Cards Drawn – After selecting your holds, hit the Draw All cards that were not held will be replaced with new cards from the same virtual deck.
- Outcome & Payout – The five cards you now have represent your final hand. The game automatically checks your hand against the paytable, highlights the winning combination, and instantly pays out any winnings. A new round begins once the payout is complete.
Game Objective
The simple objective of Video Poker is to assemble the strongest possible five-card poker hand after a single draw. Your winnings are determined solely by the rank of your final hand and the posted payout schedule on the machine. You are not competing against a dealer or other players.
Video Poker Winning Hands & The Max Bet Advantage
The game uses standard poker hand rankings, with Jacks or Better typically being the minimum hand required for a payout. Hands are listed below in order of highest value:
| Winning Hand | Example |
| Royal Flush | A-K-Q-J-10 (Same Suit) |
| Straight Flush | 5 cards in sequence, all the same suit. |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank. |
| Full House | Three of a Kind + a Pair. |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit. |
| Straight | Five cards in sequence. |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank. |
| Two Pair | Two separate pairs. |
| Jacks or Better (JoB) | A Pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. |
The Max Bet Rationale
The decision to Bet Max (5 coins) is the single most important strategic choice you make. While most payouts are linear (e.g., a two-coin bet pays double a one-coin bet), the Royal Flush payout jumps exponentially at the max bet level.
In a common Jacks or Better game, the Royal Flush pays 250:1 for 1 to 4 coins, but it pays 800:1 for 5 coins (4,000 total credits). This massive multiplier on the top jackpot is what brings the game’s Return to Player (RTP) percentage up to its highest possible theoretical value, sometimes over 100% on certain variants. Never sacrifice this advantage!
Five Top Video Poker Tips to Maximise Your Payout
- Always Check the Paytable First: Your first move should be to identify a Full-Pay machine. If you play a short-pay machine (one with lower payouts for the Full House or Flush), you surrender your mathematical advantage before you even deal the first card.
- Master One Variant’s Strategy: Don’t confuse strategies! Optimal play for Jacks or Better is different from Deuces Wild. Pick one variant and use a detailed strategy chart (available online) to ensure you are making the mathematically correct hold/draw decision every single time.
- Strictly Manage Your Bankroll: Video poker can have long cold streaks. Divide your session budget into at least 100-200 units to withstand variance. If you can’t afford the Max Bet at your current denomination, move down to a lower denomination.
- Play Smart, Stay Alert: This is a skill game. Unlike slots, mistakes cost you RTP. If you feel tired, frustrated, or intoxicated, the mathematical integrity of your play degrades rapidly. Take a break to maintain optimal focus.
- Understand Full-Pay vs. Short-Pay: Full-Pay machines offer the best theoretical return (e.g., 9/6 JoB). Always prioritize finding these high-RTP games over others.
Difference between Video Poker &. Poker
The name is deceiving. Video Poker has more in common with blackjack or slots than it does with Texas Hold’em.
| Feature | Video Poker | Standard Multiplayer Poker |
| Opponent | The House (using an RNG) | Other Players |
| Strategy Focus | Pure Math/Optimization (optimal hold/draw decisions) | Psychology/Bluffing (reading opponents, managing tells) |
| Betting | A single Ante Bet at the start of the hand. | Multiple Betting Rounds (Check, Call, Raise, Fold) |
| Outcome | Fixed, Published Payouts | Variable Winnings (Winning the Pot) |
The key takeaway: You don’t have to worry about bluffing or reading opponents. Your only opponent is the math of the machine.
Video Poker Variants: Where the Odds Change
Video Poker variants differ primarily by what cards are Wild and how they adjust Payouts for specific hands, directly affecting the RTP.
| Variant | House Edge | Return to Player (RTP) | Ideal Strategy for AU Players | Notes & Tips |
| Jacks or Better | 0.5%–5% | 95.0%–99.5% | Hold high pairs, 4-card straights, 3-card royal flush draws | Best for beginners. Simple strategy and widely available in AU casinos. |
| Deuces Wild | 0.3%–5% | 96.0%–100.7% | Hold all deuces, discard low cards, aim for straights/flushes | Deuces act as wild cards. Higher RTP possible but strategy is more complex. |
| Double Bonus Poker | 0.5%–5% | 97.0%–99.5% | Focus on 4-of-a-kind bonuses and high pairs | Offers bigger payouts for 4-of-a-kind; slightly higher variance. |
| Joker Poker | 0.6%–5% | 97.0%–99.2% | Use Joker as wild; hold high pairs and 4-card straights | Includes a Joker as a wild card; more frequent small wins. |
| All American Poker | 0.5%–5% | 97.0%–99.0% | Follow standard Jacks or Better strategy; pay attention to pay table | Similar to Jacks or Better but with adjusted payouts for 2-4 of a kind. |
| Aces & Faces | 0.5%–5% | 97.0%–99.2% | Hold aces, high pairs, 4-card straights, 3-card royal flush draws | Focused on maximizing payouts from aces and face cards. |
| Bonus Poker Deluxe | 0.4%–5% | 97.5%–99.5% | Prioritize 4-of-a-kind, high pairs, and 3-card royal flush draws | Offers higher bonuses than Double Bonus Poker. Best for experienced players. |
Basic Video Poker Rules
Before playing, it’s important to know the rules. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Choose Your Game and Denomination – Pick a video poker game you enjoy and select your bet size. Australian casinos typically display credits in AUD.
- Deal Your Cards – Press the “Deal/Draw” button to receive your initial five-card hand.
- Hold or Discard Cards – Decide which cards to hold and which to discard. Use the “Hold/Cancel” buttons on the machine or screen.
- Draw New Cards – Replace discarded cards to form your final hand.
- Check the Pay Table – Your payout depends on the hand you’ve made, according to the game’s pay table.
- Optional Double Up – Some games allow you to gamble your winnings in a double-or-nothing round.
Understanding the Video Poker Pay Table
The pay table is the most important tool for any player. It shows:
- Hand Rankings – Royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, etc.
- Payouts – How much each hand pays depending on your bet.
- Game Volatility – Indicates how often payouts occur and their size.
Tip: Always check the pay table before playing. Choosing games with higher return-to-player (RTP) percentages will improve your chances of winning.
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Basic Video Poker Strategy
Playing without a strategy can quickly lead to losses. Key beginner tips include:
- Always hold high pairs or higher-ranking hands.
- Discard low-value cards that don’t contribute to potential winning combinations.
- Practice in free play mode before betting real money.
Advanced Tip: Learn which cards to hold or discard based on probability charts to maximise your expected return.
House Edge and Payback
Video poker offers some of the best odds in the casino, but understanding house edge is crucial.
- House Edge: The percentage the casino expects to win over time.
- Payback/Return: The percentage of wagers returned to players as winnings.
By choosing games with lower house edge and practicing solid strategy, you can maximise your expected payback.
Tips to Win at Video Poker in Australia
- Start Small – Begin with small bets until you feel confident.
- Learn Game Variants – Each variant (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, etc.) has unique strategies.
- Use Free Modes – Practicing online helps you understand the game without financial risk.
- Pay Attention to Bonuses – Many Australian casinos offer bonuses that can increase your bankroll.
- Keep Track of Pay Tables – Always check each machine’s pay table before playing.
How to play Video Poker FAQs
What is the goal of video poker?
The goal is to assemble the highest-ranking five-card poker hand possible after a single draw, aiming to match one of the winning combinations listed on the paytable.
How many cards do you get in video poker?
You are initially dealt five cards. You have one opportunity to exchange any or all of those cards (from zero to five) for new ones.
What is the minimum winning hand?
In most common variants like Jacks or Better (JoB), the minimum winning hand is a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces (a “High Pair”).
What is the difference between Deal and Draw buttons?
The Deal button starts the hand, placing your bet and dealing the first five cards. The Draw button replaces the discarded cards to complete your final five-card hand.
Can I discard all five cards?
Yes. If your initial hand holds no potential for a high-value combination, you can choose not to hold any cards, pressing the Draw button to receive five brand new replacement cards.
Why should I always bet max coins?
You must always bet the maximum of five coins to qualify for the exponentially higher bonus payout on the Royal Flush. Failing to do so costs about 2% in expected return (RTP), significantly increasing the house advantage.
What is “optimal strategy” in video poker?
Optimal strategy is the mathematically correct decision (which cards to hold and discard) for every single possible initial hand, based on maximizing the long-term expected return (RTP).
Should I hold a single ace?
Generally, yes, if there are no better draws (like a four-card flush). An Ace is a High Card that can lead to a paying pair, or form the basis of a Royal Flush or a Straight. In many strategies, a single high card (J, Q, K, A) is held over discarding the entire hand.
Is video poker a game of skill or luck?
It is a game of skill combined with luck. Luck determines the cards you are dealt, but skill determines your long-term results by deciding which cards to hold to achieve the highest mathematical expectation.
How do I learn basic video poker strategy?
The best way is to study a strategy chart specific to your chosen game (e.g., Jacks or Better). These charts rank the value of different potential starting hands, instructing you on the mathematically correct play.
What is the biggest mistake beginners make?
The single biggest strategic mistake is not making the maximum coin bet (5 coins) and the second is playing a low-paying paytable (a “Short-Pay” machine). Both actions dramatically lower the player’s RTP.
Should I play when I am tired?
No. Video poker requires concentration. Strategy mistakes, even minor ones, chip away at your expected return. Playing while tired or distracted is equivalent to playing without a strategy.
What is the “Full-Pay” version of a machine?
A Full-Pay machine offers the highest possible theoretical payout percentage (RTP) for its specific variant. For example, the 9/6 paytable (9-for-1 Full House, 6-for-1 Flush) is the Full-Pay version of Jacks or Better.
What is RTP and what is a good RTP for video poker?
RTP stands for Return to Player, the percentage of all wagered money the machine is expected to pay back over the long run. A good RTP for video poker is 99% or higher.
Which video poker game has the best odds?
The game with the best odds is typically Full-Pay Deuces Wild, which offers a theoretical RTP of 100.76% with perfect optimal strategy.
How often does a Royal Flush occur?
On average, a Royal Flush occurs approximately once every 40,000 hands when playing with optimal strategy (including the initial deal and the draw).
How is video poker different from slots?
Video poker is based on probability using a 52-card deck (or 53 for Joker Poker), meaning you can calculate optimal strategy and RTP. Slots are based on random, unpredictable programming (RNG), making strategy impossible.
What is the difference between Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild?
In Deuces Wild, all four Deuces (2s) act as wild cards, which drastically increases the frequency of winning hands but requires a specialised strategy. Jacks or Better has no wild cards.
Can I play video poker for free?
Yes, most online casinos and software providers offer a free-play or demo mode. This is the perfect way to practice your strategy without risking real money.
Do wild cards change the hand rankings?
Yes, in variants with wild cards (like Deuces Wild), specific new hands are added to the hierarchy, such as Five of a Kind and the Wild Royal Flush. The minimum winning hand is also often raised (e.g., to Three of a Kind).